Hs runner Josiah Tostensen 3:40 1500

I came across another thread discussion going on regarding Josiah Tostenson potentially breaking some high school marks and being 19. However, it seems like he might be older than most high school students, turning 19 soon or already 19. When comparing him to typical freshmen in college, there is no difference in age and it could significantly impact performance and achievements. Personally, I agree with the perspective that he may be too old to be categorized under high school records. Transitioning from 18 to 19 can lead to substantial improvements, especially during the freshman year of college. It's worth considering that his achievements might be more aligned with a college-level runner rather than a high school one. This is an interesting situation considering his age.

I like this topic as a high school coach. I’m personally not going to discuss this particular runner, but its worth discussing in general. Especially when you see huge improvements from junior year in high school to senior year high school and the runner is actually freshman in college age.

I'm gonna settle the whole age debate thing for like the 54th time. Josiah Tostensen is too old to be in HS. He turns 19 in May, and therefore will be graduating HS at the age of 19, which is an overage HS senior.

Just because he is "18 most of his senior year" doesn't mean he won't be 19 before HS ends. That is not how it works.

No this does not apply to Sadie Engelhardt or Tayvon Kitchen as they turn 19 in August this year, which is well after they graduate.

Broen Holman is an even crazier case. He was born in November 2005 yet is STILL in high school. That is almost the same age as me, and I graduated in 2023. Both him and Josiah should have graduated in 2024.

These HS age cheats are getting out of hand.

I think this applies to Saddie and Tayvon. They are both currently supposed to be freshman in college. It’s an important topic to think about, as that one-year age gap can make a big difference, especially for guys. And both Sadie and Tayvon enter college at 19. That’s old.

There are several September-born children that enter college at 18 years and 11 months. One month shouldn't make a huge difference.

In Sadie's/Tayvon's case, say they begin college a week before they turn 19. They are still technically 18 years old until their birthday a week later. That is not too dissimilar to the September student who turns 19 a few weeks to a month after beginning college.

Both are still months past graduation, hence why it isn't as big a deal, at least in my opinion.

It's more of a problem when the student turns 19 before they even finish high school.

It seems alarming that Josiah Tostenson, who is turning 19 next month, is still competing as a high school athlete. In many opinions, individuals of that age should ideally be transitioning into college life, focusing on their academic and athletic pursuits there. Similarly, Sadie and Tayvon, who are hitting 19 in August, appear to be in a similar situation. It's important to adhere to the standard guidelines set by each state regarding high school graduation ages to ensure fairness for all athletes involved. It feels like a disservice to the genuine high school athletes when older individuals are allowed to compete at that level.

These guys clearly are very good but I’m sorry turning 19 before you go to college makes this a lot less impressive.

What’s the story here, did they get held back for academics or to give themselves an athletic edge?

Most of the time it's to avoid the student being among the youngest in their class, but that's usually for birthdays from August-December. But that doesn't apply to Tostensen because his birthday is in May

Yeah he ran 3:41 en-route to this 3:57, so I'd say this mile is actually a slightly better result.

he's 1 year older. not too old.

Jakob ran 3:28.68 at age 19 AND 3:31.18 at age 17.

yes you almost exclusively see it happen for August birthdays with a delay to start kindergarten so they arent so far behind their classmates physically/emotionally etc., as 6-12 months behind can be a large gap of development at that age. Studies show it is very beneficial for the child academically and socially to not be the youngest in their grade.

A few weeks after his 17th birthday, James Ronald Ryun ran 3:39.0 for 1500.

In 1964.

Huh. Well, that explains some things. I turned 17 a few weeks before graduating from high school.

Did you skip a grade or something? That is a whole year early

It's disheartening to think about how his situation detracts from his accomplishment as a high school runner, considering he should be in college at this point.

I would throw in Bryan Berryhill as well. 1X NCAA champ. School record holder in the 800. T&F coach for University of Wyoming now. Believe it's his 15th season.

I'm a gal and was young for my grade - started high school at 13 and college at 17. I was also small and looked like a 6th grader during my freshman year of HS. I do wonder how much better I could have done if I had an entire additional year to grow. Alas, can't go back now